Becoming a mental health ally

Mental health allies are people who understand the isolating, often debilitating discomfort of mental health 

problems. Leadership allies create safe spaces where staff members can feel comfortable discussing their 

mental states and seeking treatment. Allies share their own mental health stories, and they encourage 

struggling individuals to seek help.

Educate yourself and your staff about 

behavioral health issues. Prepare to 

talk one-on-one with teammates who 

might be struggling, and encourage 

your workgroup to be sensitive to 

others’ mental health challenges.

When someone is experiencing a 

mental health problem, it’s usually 

difficult for them to request help. 

Start conversations that create a safe 

space for someone to talk about their 

problem so they can move toward 

assistance without needing to ask.

By sharing your own mental health 

experience—whether it’s with a 

serious, lifelong mental illness or 

your daily struggles with anxiety—

you open the door for team members 

to see themselves in your story and 

feel less alone.

Self-Care Programs

When it comes to your emotional health, finding the care and support you need can be 

hard. Online programs are available for a variety of conditions including chronic pain, 

anxiety, depression, insomnia and substance use disorder. Programs are confidential and 

available to complete at your own pace, 24/7/365. Visit your member website to get 

started.

SEPTEMBER 2023

Momentum

Live Webinar—On Wednesday, Sept. 27, join us for Promoting Psychological Safety in the Workplace.

Learn tips to encourage your team to share ideas, take risks and give honest feedback. Register here.

Contact your Employee Assistance Program at 1-866-580-9046 (TTY 711) or go online to 

MagellanAscend.com for confidential, no cost help available 24/7/365 for you and your household 

members.
B-MM0923E-FED (6/23) ©2023 Magellan Health, Inc.

Working on Wellbeing

Community wellbeing

• The wellbeing of a community is based not only on meeting residents’ basic needs such as housing, adequate food, 

healthcare and public safety. It also means that all citizens are treated with fairness and justice in a setting where 

they can fulfill their potential.

• As a manager, you can weave wellbeing discussions into your individual and team meetings on a regular basis. 

Consider these discussion questions:

– What do you feel passionate about in your communities?

– How can we get involved in our communities?

– What shared community interests do we have?

Money Matters

September 2023 financial webinars

Planning for College 101 

Tuesday, September 12 

Register here: 9 a.m. PT | 12 p.m. PT

Review different types of college savings accounts and 

the financial aid process. Prepare to tap diverse funding 

sources like scholarships, grants and loans.

Choosing Your Benefits: What to Fund & Why? 

Thursday, September 28 

Register here: 9 a.m. PT | 12 p.m. PT

Learn about employee benefit options that are right for 

you and your family. Examine the specific advantages of 

plans so you can make smart benefit decisions.

Mind Your Mental Health

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

This observance promotes greater awareness of the risks of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people 

around you, and encourages those at risk to connect with needed treatment services.

• Forty-six percent of people who die by suicide have had a diagnosed mental health condition, but research shows 

90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10–14.

• You can prevent a suicide if you’re able to spot warning signs and arrange for safety and professional treatment.

• Individuals in crisis may withdraw from others and their usual activities, talk about dying, show stark personality 

changes or large emotional swings, and/or appear depressed.

• If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental 

health resources.